https://www.awalkmyway.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/SP-Video-tiny.jpg315560awalkmacros@gmail.comhttps://www.awalkmyway.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/awalkmyway-logo-300x137.pngawalkmacros@gmail.com2016-07-28 04:56:592016-07-29 05:19:41How to Get Sweet Potatoes Into Your Life

I am Zoodle Obsessed

I am currently obsessed with zucchini. After having an amazing raw zucchini noodle (affectionately referred to as Zoodles) salad at a summer BBQ, I can’t seem to get enough of them. In fact it motivated me to come back to this bog post one year later and give it a face lift.

I used to lightly saute the zoodles before eating them up. After I had them raw, there is no way I will ever look back. They have an extremely fresh, crisp taste and feel much more similar to a real noodle option when raw.

I’ve been making Zoodles for years since becoming gluten free. It began with a hand held spiralizer and then evolved into making them on my KitchenAid Spilaizer attachment because of the volume and frequency I make them in. Both are amazing options, but the KiichenAid is a worth while investment if you plan to put their production in high gear. The bonus is that the attachment is strong enough to Spiralize potatoes of all kinds, including my favorite sweet potatoes.

And If You Are Lazy

Finally a company jumped on the veggie noodle train and made a quality option that you an buy fresh in store. Veggie Noodle Co offers those of you with less time and culinary desire to still have a healthy noodle option on hand. They offer spiral versions of lots of veggies including zucchini, sweet potato, butternut squash and beets. You can find them in Whole Foods, Spouts Farmers Market and at Target.

The honest truth though is that it is much more cost effective to spiralize your own veggies. I like to do a whole bunch at once and us them throughout the week for various recipes. It gives us no excuse not to add a veggie into our meals.

Check out my video of the KitchenAid Spiralizer in action. This was literally the first Facebook Live video I ever did. I was entirely nervous but excited.

Fat! We love it, we hate it and we can’t live without it…literally. Fat is a macronutrient that acts as a secondary source of energy for our body. Fats assist in absorption of certain micronutrients in the body, aides in the boundary of cells, cushions cells and in turn the body. Fat plays a crucial role in hormone regulation and brain function (1). You need it–there is no denying it.

Poor, Misunderstood Fat We don’t gain weight from fat, we gain weight from excess fat that puts our metabolism out of balance. Each person’s body chemistry is unique, requiring its own quantity of fat that pushes their metabolic capacity and allows them to hit their goals. Adjusting fat ratios is key to fat loss, athletic performance and day to day health.

Fat and Tracking Macronutrient Intake

The important thing to understand about fat is its caloric value. When the body metabolizes 1 gram of fat, it acquires 9 calories of useable energy as a fuel source. This is in comparison to protein and carbohydrates which yield only 4 calories of energy. It is also the reason that being accurate when tracking fat intake is key, as it has more caloric consequence if over consumed.

In the name of FAT

In the name of fat, I put together a quick reference of ways to decrease fat daily but also quick ways to increase fat daily. At some point in your nutritional tracking journey, you’ll need to do both to satisfy your nutrition goals.

Easy ways to reduce Fat:

Reduce the number of yolks you consume with eggs, opt for egg whites or a combo.

Fill up on Veggies—their caloric value is little to none! You can load up on them to help you feel full with little macronutrient value but a heck of a lot micronutrient value.

Easy Ways to Increase Fat:

Take a fish oil supplement. Try using this in the evening when you need to fill small quantities to hit those counts. A gel capsule can keep the fat content in a smaller amount or a liquid version to increase the fat content.

Add a bit of oil based dressing, like olive or avocado, to a salad.

Enjoy some nuts or nut butter (this is my go-to to increase fat) on your favorite piece of fruit or in your morning oats.

Add an egg yolk. Try another yolk in your morning eggs or prep some hard boiled eggs for a mid afternoon snack.

Add some slices of avocado to your eggs, lean meat or dinner meal. Mash it up as a condiment to make a healthy fat version of chicken salad.

Throw a small bit of Kerrygold butter on your baked potato.

Keeping your dietary fat intake on track is the key to so many functions of the body–not to mention they can taste so.darn.good. Use them in the right places in your daily routine to maximize their benefits.

https://www.awalkmyway.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/The-Skinny-on-fat-tiny.jpg315560awalkmacros@gmail.comhttps://www.awalkmyway.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/awalkmyway-logo-300x137.pngawalkmacros@gmail.com2016-07-26 09:05:172016-11-23 13:02:09The Skinny on Fats: 13 Tips to Control Your Fat Intake Each Day

There are some snacks that have withstood the test of time and others that have gone to snack heaven. There are snacks I think about that make me nostalgic and others that make me want to puke. I am a child of the 80’s and grew up on snacks like Planter’s Cheese Balls (remember those in the blue can), on Keebler’s Magic in the middle cookies, on “Squeeze It’s” and fruit by the foot.

Afternoon Snack The afternoon is a snack time for me and my kids. We tend to eat dinner later to accommodate my husband’s work schedule and I love a balanced snack to hold me over until then. One that I love and my kids love too. Thankfully, my kids will escape a pantry full of 80’s snacks because it’s my goal to provide an afternoon snack that is fun, healthy, delicious and that I love too!

Why do people snack?Statista.com reports that in 2014, North American’s spent over 124 billion dollars in snacks in grocery stores. According to research conducted by the Mintel Group, “62 percent of U.S. consumers snack mainly to satisfy a craving. One quarter of Americans snack because they are bored, while 16 percent do so because they are stressed.” Say what!?!?! This data is clear evidence that snacking is tied to emotion and mood. Thus, further supporting the need to have healthy snack options at home to avoid that oh-so-tempting 80’s style snack binge.

No need to be FANCY

Some of the best snacks and for that matter, meals, are the simple ones. Ones that don’t take the entire kitchen to prepare, that are pretty to look at and that have great tasting ingredients. I’ve put together for you 3 simple, old-school style, healthy options for your snack attack that you can make now…like right now!

Again, combine all ingredients in a bowl and enjoy! You can alter these quantities to suit your palate texture requirements as well. A great idea is to prepare a “rice reserve” for the week. It is easy to pull from for meals and snacks and can be spiced in lots of ways as you need it.

The beauty of all the recipes above are that you can tweak each to meet your needs and taste. Snacks are optional, but good health and good taste don’t have to be. Although those 80’s snacks like Gushers and Bugles (Oh–you remember them…I know you do!) bring back love in your heart…don’t let them bring any love to your belly. Enjoy that afternoon snack with all health benefits included. So–get in that kitchen and get your snack on.

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https://www.awalkmyway.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Effort-tiny.jpg315560awalkmacros@gmail.comhttps://www.awalkmyway.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/awalkmyway-logo-300x137.pngawalkmacros@gmail.com2016-07-02 00:38:022016-07-02 01:43:37"E" is for Effort

This is it—my first big blog post. I have been so nervous about this post. For months I was in blog purgatory. Should I? What would people think? Would there even be interest? It was the encouragement of my client base, my friends and above all, my husband that led me this direction. Then, I had a moment, an epiphany if you will. You know the kind that feels life changing—like the planets aligned to send you a sign. I was listening to an Amy Porterfield podcast when she interviewed this amazingly spunky social media marketer. The person interviewed said…”isn’t it better to have 2 people who believe in you madly than to be followed by many, who barely believe?” It was in that moment I realized, who cares about anybody else. If I follow my passion, my heart and who I am, the rest will fall into place. So—here I am, vulnerable as ever, sharing my passion.

My Passion

I pondered how to begin my blog, what would be the most important to open up with? I realized that my audience needs to know where I came from and what led me to this point to truly understand the origin of my passion. Nutrition is personal. To some, like a religion. And just like religion, there are a million interpretations of what nutrition should look like. High fat, high carb, low fat , low carb…what is truly best? What I’ve come to realize…it’s all the best if it works for you. The act of bettering yourself is what truly matters at the end of the day. In a world of so much craziness and tearing each other down, the gift of kindness is one that we all have to give. The gift to support each other in our attempts to be better. Nutrition and living a healthier lifestyle is no different.

Work Hard Be Kind

”Work Hard, Be Kind…” It is our family’s motto. So much so that I whisper it to my kids as they head into school, so much so that it hangs on a banner in our kitchen and so much so that I had a shirt made to spread it to others. I feel like life can really be that simple.

So–it’s become my mission. To support people in their attempts to live a healthier lifestyle. To show people how to eat real food and find a healthy balance to enjoy something they love each day too. To spread nutritional love and support anybody and everybody who is trying each day to better themselves.

My Childhood

I grew up in a house where soda, Little Debbie’s and homemade noodles were a staple. It was no fault of my parents; honestly I think children of the 80s all had a similar experience. This health awareness revolution didn’t start until much later. Like most girls, I’ve always been self-conscience about my body but my parents never failed in making me feel beautiful. College became my true exposure to the importance of health. I was on my own, the controller of what I put in my body and the consequences it came with. I became obsessed, in an unhealthy way, with working out and eating. Part of it was being away from home and the other was the beginning of my desire to find a healthy, sustainable life.

After being Pre-Med and getting my degree in Life Science with a Physiology emphasis, I decided teaching was my path not doctoring (is that a word??). While completing my masters, I also became certified in group fitness. Along with teaching high school science and coaching basketball, I taught Spin, TBC, Step aerobics, etc. in order to help others find a fun way to be active. At that time, I had an unhealthy relationship with food. If I knew I was going to a social event I would jump on the treadmill for hours. If I indulged in Coldstone, I immediately had to go for a run. I joked and told people “I run to eat.” Little did they know—I really wasn’t joking. I punished myself for loving food—and I know many of you can relate.

When Nutrition Trumps Fitness

It wasn’t until after marriage and our second child that nutrition really began to trump fitness. I realized that my bad nutrition would never out due the calories I burned on that treadmill. I wasn’t cute and pregnant. I gained over 60 lbs with my daughter and dialed it back to 40lbs with our second. After two babies, my 20 something body was gone and I hated the new one I had acquired.

My body changed externally and internally. Through pregnancy I had acquired autoimmune changes that made me gluten intolerant. This diagnosis led me to the Paleo diet. I loved it, became obsessed with it and lost much of my baby weight with it. Then, I became the “Paleo Nazi.” I was the one at the party everybody thought they had to justify their eating habits to. I’ll be honest—I judged people for their food choices like I had an awakening they hadn’t yet experienced. I look back and hate myself for it. What I don’t apologize for is the knowledge that turning to a Paleo life gave me. It taught me food quality matters. That any “diet” should focus on whole foods made of mostly vegetables, fruits, lean meats and nuts and seeds. But what the Paleo diet is missing—is reality. I never let myself indulge and was truly miserable for it. I would watch friends enjoy chips and salsa and other treats at parties and be miserable. I was afraid to leave it for fear of weight gain and those dreaded “carbs.” I desperately needed freed. Freed from food guilt.

Much Needed Change

I was in need of a change. I had plateaued—I was unhappy with my health, my body, my athletic performance and my burden of not feeling honest about food. I began my own work with a nutrition coach, who later became my mentor, and it truly changed my life. Flexible dieting, or macro tracking, has been the most freeing food experience of my life. It is moderation to a tee. It has showed me, more than ever, that whole foods should be the bulk of your diet because they are truly the “biggest bang for your buck.” It has showed me that being on either extreme of the nutritional spectrum has no sustainability. Food is amazing. Food is meant to be enjoyed…in a way that meets your own personal goals that only you know. It has showed me that nutrient timing is critical to maximize your results. Most of all—it has showed me that I can enjoy the things I want because I am the driving force behind my own nutrition. Food is not WHO I am. Food is FUEL.

Here I am now: many clients coached, hundreds of pounds lost, personal records crushed and so many healthy relationships with food reestablished. I am only motivated more to continue to guide others in their journey. Watching my passion to support and encourage clients cultivate their success is gratification beyond words. What started as a small side hobby has turned into something that I truly feel inspired to do each day. Good nutrition and changing your food lifestyle is addictive. I can’t wait to continue to help others feel that same addiction.

So—here I am, “AWALK”…working hard, being kind and spreading nutritional love. Can’t wait for you to join me and take “AWALKmyway.”

It’s summer time and that means…BBQ! In my house we have burgers almost every week. They are simple, taste so good and can be done in so many ways. Because we have them frequently, I am always looking for ways to spice them up and avoid boredom…and of course, maintain my macros. Here is a list of a few simple things you can do to save the fat (or add it too) to enjoy a better burger.

Vegetables: Lettuce, arugula, pickles, jalapenos, tomatoes, salsa, mushrooms, peppers. These all have little to no caloric value and can be sauteed on the grill with the burgers or in a pan with a slight spray of O.O. or beef broth.

Grilled Onions: I know an onion is a veggie. BUT—I had to talk about it twice because it alone completely changes the flavor of the burger. Place big full slices on the grill or again use a little spray O.O. to save the fat (or sauté in Kerrygold butter to increase fat) and OH.MY.GOSH! So good!

Frank’s: Just like their awesome marketing slogan…that #$%@ tastes good on everything! I use Frank’s Buffalo sauce most often and adds a great flavor. You can mix it right into the meat before grilling or pour over after. The macros are amazing with no fat, no protein and no carbs per 1 tablespoon.

Hummus. I love hummus on the day-to- day. It is an awesome spread for any burger with a variety of flavors. I love a garlic styled hummus and the macros can stay low too.

Feta Cheese. This is maybe my fav in a burger! I’ve found great lower fat options made by Athenos. My hubby makes a pocket for the feta, then puts the burger on the grill with the feta inside. When you bite into the warm, melty feta it is a flavor bomb!

And don’t forget you can easily change up the meat to give a unique taste. Try Elk, Bison, turkey or even a combo of two to hit those counts and really enjoy a different taste.

Clean out that Pantry! Get rid of cookies, chocolate, ice cream, candy or whatever really makes you over indulge. This won’t be forever. It will be until you can have better acquisition of your goals and a sustainable eating pattern.

Chop, Chop, Chop… up veggies and fruit. Turn up your favorite Pandora station and spend an hour (or a few) preparing raw veggies and fruits. Wash and cut produce and store in containers so they are ready to eat. You will have no excuse other than to enjoy! Use mason jars to store so they stay fresh and at your disposal. Get the kids involved—you are their example of what a healthy eating lifestyle looks like.

Plan your week! Take 30 minutes to plan a rough outline of your dinner meals and lunches before you hit the grocery store. If you plan before you grocery shop for the week you have a focused mission and are less likely to purchase less nutritious (and more expensive) options.

Cook extra! Portion out an extra serving of the protein, carb and veggies you plan to prepare for dinner for lunch the next day. You will have no reason then to enjoy it and you can ditch a much unhealthier option to eat out.

Keep it simple! Cooking doesn’t have to be fancy or gourmet. Let’s face it—we are busy and kids aren’t food critics. They appreciate the dinner experience with family more than the food being served.